Knit Tweed Leg Warmers with Bow Ties Free Pattern
Knit Tweed Leg Warmers with Bow Ties – Free Beginner Pattern
Introduction
These cozy tweed leg warmers are the perfect first project for anyone who wants to knit in the round and make something they will actually wear all season long. The simple oatmeal tweed tube gets a narrow charcoal stripe near the top and a sweet little knitted bow applique on the side, giving them that fun Y2K-inspired look. They are worked top-down in plain stockinette with easy ribbed bands at both ends, so the only skills you need are knit, purl, and binding off. Slip them on over leggings or boots and they feel warm, soft, and just the right amount of nostalgic.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight tweed wool (approx. 200 yds / 100g per skein). You will need about 150 yds of oatmeal (Color A) and 20 yds of charcoal (Color B).
- Needles: 5.0 mm (US 8) circular needle, 16" long, and a set of 5.0 mm (US 8) double-pointed needles, or the size needed to obtain gauge.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, and a small amount of smooth waste yarn (optional for holding stitches).
- Finished size: Circumference 12" unstretched, length 14".
Abbreviations
- CO: Cast on.
- k: Knit.
- p: Purl.
- st(s): Stitch(es).
- rnd(s): Round(s).
- pm: Place marker.
- BO: Bind off.
- WS: Wrong side.
- stockinette stitch: Knit every round when working in the round; knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows when working flat.
Gauge
18 sts and 24 rnds = 4" in stockinette stitch. To check your gauge, knit a small swatch in the round (or flat and measure the knit side) and adjust your needle size if needed to match the stitch and round counts.
Tips Before You Start
- Try the tube on as you go. Because these are worked as straight tubes, slip the leg warmer onto your calf after the first few inches to make sure the circumference feels comfortable before you knit too far.
- Keep your color changes tidy. When you switch from oatmeal to charcoal and back, give the yarn a gentle tug and carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the tube so the stripe stays neat.
- Bind off loosely. The top and bottom ribbing need to stretch over your foot and calf, so use a stretchy bind-off or a needle one size larger for the final bind-off.
- Make the bows last. Knit both leg warmers completely before making and attaching the bows so you can place them evenly and securely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Leg Warmer (make 2)
With Color A, CO 54 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches, and pm for the beginning of the round.
Rnds 1-6: [k1, p1] ribbing (54 sts).
Rnds 7-10: Knit (54 sts).
Change to Color B.
Rnds 11-14: Knit (54 sts).
Change to Color A.
Rnds 15-84: Knit (70 rnds, 54 sts).
Rnds 85-90: [k1, p1] ribbing (54 sts).
Bind off: BO loosely in rib pattern. Cut yarn and weave in ends later.
Bow (make 2)
With Color B, CO 10 sts.
Row 1: Knit (10 sts).
Row 2: Purl (10 sts).
Rows 3-12: Repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures about 2.5", ending with a wrong-side row (10 sts).
Bind off: BO all sts.
Bow Center (make 2)
With Color B, CO 6 sts.
Rows 1-10: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) for about 1.5" (6 sts).
Bind off: BO all sts.
Assembly and Finishing
For each leg warmer, wrap one bow center strip around the middle of one bow rectangle and cinch it tightly to create the bow shape. Using the tapestry needle and a length of Color B, sew the bow securely to the side of the leg warmer, about 1" below the top ribbing. Repeat for the second leg warmer. Weave in all ends on the inside of the work. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping the leg warmers flat, then let them dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Add a second stripe: Work a narrow charcoal stripe near the bottom ribbing as well for a balanced, sporty look.
- Make them longer or shorter: Add or remove rounds in the main oatmeal stockinette section (Rnds 15-84) to adjust the length while keeping the same gauge and stitch count.
- Try a different bow color: Use a deep burgundy, forest green, or cream for the bows to personalize the leg warmers for a holiday or Thanksgiving gift.
